With the launch of the new, fourth-generation X5 BMW have released the new X family aesthetic into the world, along with an active chassis system and a new interior.

Sitting larger on the road (36mm longer, 66mm wider, 19mm taller and 42mm longer wheelbase) with separate styling cues for xLine and M Sport models. xLine specification sees aluminium matt bars on the front grille, satin aluminium finish for the roof rails and side window surrounds, with the other exterior trimmings in pearl-effect chrome. M Sport X5’s are supplied with body coloured wheel arch and bumper trim, plus the rear underguard and side skirts, too. Extra large intakes at the front feature too, with the same aluminium matt barred grille. Roof rails, window surrounds and other exterior trimmings are finished in a glossy black hue. The two trims sit on 19″ and 20″ alloys respectively, with M Performance versions wearing 22s as standard – wheels up to this size are available on lesser X5s as options.

A single petrol option will feature alongside a duo of diesel powertrains in the new X5. The X5 M50d will utilise an inline six-cylinder diesel with four-turbos – two low and two high-pressure. The 3.0-litre unit utilises both low-pressure turbos and one high-pressure at all times, with the remainder coming into play at 2,500rpm and above. The full figures quoted for the power unit are 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds, combined fuel consumption of 41.5mpg, 400bhp and 561lbf.ft – potent, you could say.

The unit in the xDrive40i enlists a 3.0-litre petrol six-pot that makes do with a mere pair of turbochargers achieving 340bhp, 332lbf.ft, 5.5-seconds to 62mph and 33.2mpg on a combined cycle. Under the hood of xDrive30d is another straight-six (diesel) with a solitary turbo producing 265bhp, 457lbf.ft, a 0-62 time of 5.2-seconds and achieving 47.1mpg.

Traction – on xDrive models – is managed by the latest version of the BMW all-wheel drive system, which can now shares the power between the front and rear axles with greater precision than before. A rear-biased approach is available for spirited driving, and the rear diff-lock can enhance this for even sportier characteristics – although it is only standard on the M Performance variants.

The new X5 sits on a new chassis, which comprises of a double wishbone front axles and a five-link rear axle. This works in conjunction with dynamic damper control that electronically adjusts the handling to offer the best performance and the highest ride comfort. Air suspension is standard on both the xDrive30d and xDrive40i models, which monitors each wheel individually, and can counteract things such as uneven loading of the boot. Adaptive M suspension Professional comes with M Performance models, with active vehicle stabilisation integral active steering which aids the SUVs agility.

Inside, the instrument cluster is entirely digital, mirroring the graphics of the centre console. Drivers will also notice the newly designed, crystalesque gear selector. The control panel has also been redefined. Vernasca leather drapes the sports seating, which is electronically adjustable and heated as standard. Seat ventilation is added with the comfort packages on offer.

Much like the turbochargers, you can choose to have four different climate zones. As out of this world as that seems, you can also fit a panoramic roof with 15,000 graphics patterns that actively simulate the stars in the night sky. Neat, right?

On the topic of needless (but really cool) excess, the ambient air package ionises the air and infuses the interior with a choice of eight selectable parfums.

For those impossible to please, adolescent passengers in the back, there’s a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system featuring 20 speakers, which when combined with the rear entertainment package adds 10.2-inch 1080p HD touchscreens with a blu-ray compatible DVD player, two USB ports, an HDMI socket and a pair of headphone jacks.

Part three of the ‘I want that but bet it’s an expensive option’ section is the heated and cooled cupholders in the centre console – thus ensuring that your bovril is hot and your champagne is oh so cooled.

As with any new vehicle, the X5 features plenty of safety tech, such as lane change warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-end collision warning and speed limit information that even includes whether overtakes are allowed.

Parking assistance is also available on the X5, requiring the drivers to operate the accelerator and brake alone, with the Beemer taking control of the steering input. Parking cameras are also available.

BMW have announced the X7, a large SUV with three rows to seat seven adults in comfort.

At launch, the large SUV will be offered with three turbocharged six-cylinder powertrains – one petrol and two diesels. The petroleum variant (xDrive40i) poses 340bhp and 332lbf.ft, 32.5mpg on a combined cycle 198g/km. The xDrive30d offers 265bhp, 457lbf.ft and 43.5mpg and 171g/km compared to the M50d’s 400bhp, 560lbf.ft, 40.4mpg and 185g/km.

The all-wheel drive models feature the latest xDrive system, and the M50d is fitted with an M Sport differentia – which is also part of the off-road package.

A double wishbone setup at the front combines with a five-link rear axle and both feature air suspension with self-levelling as standard. When sport mode is engaged on the M50d or its speed exceeds 86mph – which it obviously won’t, ever… – the ride height is automatically lowered by 20mm. There is also room to raise the ride height in two stages by up to 40mm over the standard stance. The off-road package also adds the choice of four drive modes – xSnow, xSand, xGravel and xRocks – each time adjusting the setup to keep the X7 xSurefooted when xOff-Roading.

The rear doors are longer than the obverse pair, enhancing the ease with which occupants clamber into the second and third rows of seating. Once inside, the pair in the third row have full-size seats, with their leg room controlled by the positioning of those in the middle row. An option to have three rows of two-abreast is offered, and will equip the mid row the same armrests as those in the front. Both the second and third rows can be flattened, which would increase the boot capacity from 326 all the way up to 2,120-litres.

X7 drivers will be subject to a newly designed digital binnacle via a 12.3-inch screen, and a leather steering wheel comes as standard. The centre console plays home to a newly designed gear selector plus the iDrive controller, electronic parking brake, all drive mode buttons and the start/stop button.

Aids included for the driver are a rear-view camera, 360-degree birds-eye view. Safety features including stop-start adaptive cruise control, pedestrian warning, city braking, collision warning, crossing traffic warning and lane keep assist – but these are part of the optional Driving Assistant Professional pack.

The X7 goes on sale in April of next year, and prices will begin at £72,155 OTR.

Oh, and it’s big, with a length of just over five-metres, a wheelbase measuring a little more than three, is two-metres wide and stands at 1.8-metres tall. Shouldn’t be too hard to spot on the road, then…

Two diesel and a singular petrol engine will be on offer in the new X5 – the 265bhp, 457lbf.ft xDrive30d, the 400bhp, 560lbf.ft M50d and the 340bhp, 332lbf.ft xDrive40i petrol. The bigger diesel hits 60mph in 5.2 seconds, whilst the smaller option manages a combined mpg of 47.1.

Each of the engine choices comes with the latest eight-speed Steptronic automatic ‘box, with a wider ratio spread and new electric controls for improved efficiency.

M Performance models get a lockable rear diff, with all models fitted with the xDrive 4wd system – featuring a rear wheel drive option. The new chassis setup includes a double wishbone front axle and five link rear, features a dynamic damper control system and sport or comfort settings. The system also combines active roll stabilisation, active four-wheel steering, and an optional off-road package including underbody protection, and sand, rock, gravel and snow traction control settings.

A fully digital instrument cluster shares the same graphics as the control touchscreen, in an interior with minimal physical buttons. Leather sports seats are electrically controlled and offered in a choice of four colours. M sport models get an M Sport steering wheel, pedals and accent piping on the upholstery.

Four-zone air conditioning is new, as is the panoramic glass roof which features LED lights that can imitate a starry night sky, and thermo controlled cup holders. An optional rear-seat entertainment package places two 10.1-inch screen on the rear of the front seats, and has access to a Blu-ray enabled DVD player, HMDI and USB ports and two headphone jacks.

Mobile connectivity is available on a subscription basis, whilst a hard drive of 20gb is embedded into the X5’s system, which remotely downloads updates when they are released. An integrated Microsoft Office 365 function brings the office to the cockpit, making emails and calendar appointments easily accessible on the move.

The fourth-gen X5 goes on sale in the UK in June, with prices beginning at £56,710 for xDrive30d models. The M50d starts at £70,690 whilst the petrol xDrive40i kicks off at £58,100.

BMW have revealed the latest addition to their X range – the X2. The small SUV will get the xDrive all-wheel drive system across the board, with one engine available at launch and more joining it throughout the year.

The X2 xDrive20d will be available with SE, Sport, M Sport and M Sport X trim levels on the table. The initial engine produces 190bhp and 295lbf.ft, sprints from standstill to 62mph in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 137mph.

Order books are open, with prices starting at £33,890 for the X2 xDrive20d SE.